Will Richmond is currently the News Editor and has served as the political reporter at the Herald News since 2007 covering local, state and national politics. Covering races from near and far, Will has a firm understanding of what decisions made on
...

Will Richmond is currently the News Editor and has served as the political reporter at the Herald News since 2007 covering local, state and national politics. Covering races from near and far, Will has a firm understanding of what decisions made on Capitol Hill and Beacon Hill can mean for Fall River.
Tired of party politics at all levels, Will hopes to bring a unique perspective and open dialogue on current issues, while holding elected officials at all levels of government accountable for their actions.

A unique opportunity is taking place in Fall River government right now.

It's not common that a position within government is created and the job description molded in public view, but that is exactly what is happening as a committee considers how best to spend $100,000 earmarked for economic development in the city.

Already the group is considering a plan that would bypass the hiring of one individual, to instead select a part-timer that would concentrate on small businesses, while a consulting firm would supplement the effort with a focus on finding federal funds and growing the city's niche industries.

This is a good start. It's important, as Fall River Office of Economic Development Executive Vice President Ken Fiola noted, that this effort on the city side of government not duplicate the work being done by FROED, a semi-private entity that has limited obligation to answer to the city.

Members of the City Council have been known to rail over the years about concerns of duplicated services in the school department, so allowing the economic development position to replicate FROED's work just so the council has a greater say in the city's economic development would be foolish.

And while $100,000 doesn't fund much, allowing the position to duplicate services would also be coming at the wrong time as fire department staffing has been severely reduced and school department funding remains at questionable levels.

But as it is, FROED and its limited staff are attempting to manage many of the city's assets, with outside assistance in some cases such as the biopark. This includes the three parks in the city's North End, as well as the general development efforts taking place throughout the city in its many old mills and other spots.

In a city that seems to forever be chasing the high level of employment that left in one swoop with the closing of Quaker Fabrics, someone who can supplement's FROED's efforts can only help.

While the part-time, consultant combination is a step in the right direction to ensure the city's existing economic development efforts are being assisted and there is not in-house competition, the committee should also work to get a funding commitment in future years.

Spending on consultants and a part-time employee can easily be removed from the budget in the next fiscal year and in a city battling one of the state's highest unemployment rates, a sustained, multi-pronged effort must be part of the plan.

— In his bid for re-election, District 1 Governor's Councilor Oliver Cipollini kicked off an online fundraising campaign last week, seeking to raise $1,000 through the website GoFundMe. Cipollini also announced that his campaign has been endorsed by council colleague Michael Albano, who represents District 8 in the western part of the state. Cipollini is running against former Somerset Police Chief Joseph Ferreira, and Walter Moniz and Alexander Kalife, both of New Bedford. There are no Republicans in the race.

— Moniz announced Dorothy Feliz-Sutter, wife of Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter, will serve as his campaign chairwoman. "I was looking for someone who shares the same values I do. Walter strongly believes in the use of dangerousness hearings to reduce illegal gun violence in our cities, he shares my fervent support for more drug courts in Bristol County and also believes, as I do, in the need for community judges for community courts," Sutter said in a statement. "Walter is someone who understands the legal system, knows the inner workings of our community courthouses, and has his finger on the pulse of the community. He understands the needs of of our community and I have complete faith in his ability to choose the right judges in our commonwealth."

Despite Dorothy Sutter's involvement, a source said Sam Sutter is not taking a role in the campaign or supporting any of the candidates.

— The first campaign office came to Fall River yesterday with Democratic Attorney General candidate Warren Tolman opening an office at 744 Eastern Avenue. Tolman is running against Maura Healey for the nomination.